Roger Federer was strangely absent from Centre Court after Andy Murray lost in the doubles at Wimbledon on Thursday.
But tournament director Jamie Baker has now revealed the Swiss icon held talks with the Briton before his last match at the famous arena.
Wimbledon fans rose as one to pay tribute to Murray on Thursday night, with the Scot poised to retire from tennis after the Paris Olympics.
Murray wept as supporters hailed him, with the two-time Wimbledon champion preparing for life’s next adventure.
Andy Murray played his last match at Wimbledon’s Centre Court on Thursday
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Federer’s name was read out by Sue Barker as she whittled through the A-listers in attendance for Murray’s last match at Centre Court.
However, the 42-year-old wasn’t actually inside the ground.
And Baker, per the Daily Express, has now revealed he talked with Murray before his no-show.
“Yeah, he went and saw Andy before the match,” he said when asked if Federer didn’t want to overshadow the occasion.
“They had a good chat. The player thing was the most fluid part of our plan obviously with matches going on and the weather we didn’t know how that was going to work out so we made a last-minute decision to get some of those players on the court which I think actually made quite a nice addition to the celebration, I think Andy really appreciated that as well.”
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Murray is set to play with Emma Raducanu in the mixed doubles on Saturday.
But Baker isn’t sure if Federer will be in attendance.
“I don’t know, I’m not sure how long Roger is staying for,” he said.
Federer did appear in a special video for Murray, with the 42-year-old saying: ‘We know that journey and we know what it’s like to live those dreams.
“While you carried your own dreams, you also carried theirs. It made the joy even greater when it came.”
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It seemed as though Murray would never win a Grand Slam when he lost to Roger Federer in the final of Wimbledon back in 2012.
But he responded in stunning fashion, winning the US Open just months after that agonising defeat.
Murray would go on to win two Wimbledons, with his first coming in 2013.
He also beat Milos Raonic in the final three years later and looks set to leave tennis with three majors to his name.
Speaking on Thursday, Murray said that victory was the greatest moment of his career.
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Andy Murray had talks with Roger Federer before his Centre Court farewell at Wimbledon
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“2016 was really different,” he said.
“I felt way less pressure and the enjoyment I got out of that win was totally different to 2013.
“I had an amazing evening that night with my all friends and family, properly went out and enjoyed it with the people closest to me.
“Of my Slams, 2016 was my favourite one. I don’t remember much of that night.
“I had a few drinks and I did unfortunately vomit in the cab on the way home.”
Andy Murray was emotional after Wimbledon fans paid tribute to their hero on Thursday
PA
On his rivalry with Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, he added: “They weren’t the easiest guys to get past.
“I was obviously incredibly fortunate to play in this time and I think all tennis fans have been incredibly lucky to witness what they’ve obviously gone on to achieve.
“It’s been incredible to watch what they’ve done. It’s been incredible to be a part of some of the matches in major championships with them over the years.
“I was fortunate to manage to get through them a couple of times in big moments but what a time to be on the tour.”
